Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko landed in Tianjin on Saturday ahead of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, marking a pivotal moment for Eurasian diplomacy. The event, scheduled from August 31 to September 1, will be the first SCO gathering since Belarus officially joined as a full member earlier this year.
Strengthening Eurasian Ties
The summit is expected to focus on regional security, economic collaboration, and infrastructure development across member states. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping welcomed Lukashenko, emphasizing the SCO's role in fostering "multipolar global governance." Analysts note Belarus' accession strengthens the bloc's connectivity between Europe and Asia, with Tianjin's strategic port positioning it as a hub for cross-continental trade.
Tianjin’s Strategic Role
As host city, Tianjin highlights China's commitment to advancing the SCO's "spirit of mutual trust and benefit." Local authorities have prepared dedicated zones to showcase green energy initiatives and digital trade platforms – key themes for the summit. Over 15 heads of state are confirmed to attend, with side events addressing counterterrorism and sustainable development.
Lukashenko’s visit follows recent agreements to expand Belarusian agricultural exports to the Chinese mainland, underscoring the summit’s economic focus. Observers anticipate new partnerships in technology and logistics to emerge from the talks.
